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Senate debates teacher-preparation, early-literacy bill; screening amendment adopted and $25M trust included
Summary
Senate debate focused on Senate 2924 (teacher preparation and student literacy), which would require evidence-based K–3 curricula, DESE guidance and screenings, and create a $25 million early‑literacy trust fund; the chamber adopted an amendment requiring districts to use DESE screening guidelines and continued amendment negotiations before recessing.
Senator Sal DiDomenico, sponsor of Senate 2924, outlined a package of statewide requirements intended to lift early‑grade reading outcomes and support teacher preparation. He told the Senate the bill would require districts to select "high quality evidence based curriculum by the beginning of the 2027–28 school year, or have an approved waiver from DESE," require K–3 screening at least twice a year, and charge the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) with offering free professional development and a menu of approved curricula.
"6 out of 10 cannot read a grade level of third grade," Sen. DiDomenico said during his floor remarks, framing the bill as a response to persistent gaps in literacy. He also noted funding to support implementation: "We also put some money into the bill. $25,000,000 for an early literacy fund to implement this." The sponsor described a waiver process for districts that can justify continued use of their current curriculum; DESE retains final authority over any waiver and may approve waivers for up to five years.
Senator Lewis, speaking in support, cited statewide test data and prior investments, saying Massachusetts has "flat and even declining" results in some measures and pointing to both state and federal grant programs that have already provided districts with resources. Lewis reiterated two additions to the Senate version on the floor: a DESE‑created comprehensive K–3 curriculum option that districts could use free of charge, and the $25 million early literacy trust fund to help districts adopt curriculum, pay for professional development and cover assessment tools.
The chamber debated and disposed of several amendments. Senator Jason Keenan offered Amendment 12 to require districts to use DESE guidelines for screening students for neurological learning disabilities (including dyslexia). Keenan said, "Student[s] with learning disabilities and their families should not have to hope that their schools use best screening procedures or protocols. Rather, we should insist that they must do so." The Senate voted to adopt that amendment.
Other proposed changes met varied outcomes: two amendments offered by Senator Fernandez on funding costs and professional development were not adopted; several amendments were placed on hold or withdrawn after further discussion. Senators who spoke during the debate emphasized equity concerns for low‑income and multilingual learners, the need for professional development and coaching, and the importance of avoiding unfunded mandates—while acknowledging the bill includes targeted resources.
The bill also proposes standards for evidence‑based literacy instruction that codify the five research‑based areas educators cite as critical (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension), requires DESE to publish aggregate district data, and mandates guidance for identifying students who may show indicators of neurological learning disabilities.
The Senate did not complete consideration of every amendment before taking a recess. The chair announced that the remaining amendments were in various stages of negotiation and recessed the Senate "subject to the call of the chair." The bill remains before the Senate with Amendment 12 adopted; further amendment votes and final action were deferred.
What happens next: Senate members will reconvene to finish amendment votes and consider final passage; if engrossed and passed by both branches, the measure would be sent to the governor for approval.
